Lasix is used for treating high blood pressure or water retention (swelling) associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Lasix is a loop diuretic. Loop diuretics make the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). Loop diuretics are useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) are a problem.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Lasix as directed by your doctor.

Take Lasix by mouth with or without food.

If you take cholestyramine, colestipol, or sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take them with Lasix.

Lasix may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.

If you miss a dose of Lasix, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Lasix.

STORAGE

Store Lasix at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat and moisture in a tight, light-resistant container. Exposure to light may cause a slight discoloration. Do not take discolored tablets. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Lasix out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Furosemide.

Do NOT use Lasix if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Lasix

you are unable to urinate

you are taking ethacrynic acid.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Lasix. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

Digoxin, lithium, medicines for high blood pressure, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or succinylcholine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Lasix

Norepinephrine or tubocurarine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Lasix.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Lasix may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Lasix may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Lasix with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Lasix may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Lasix before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Your doctor may also prescribe a potassium supplement while you take Lasix. Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or other product that has potassium in it.

Lasix is a strong diuretic. Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Lasix may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Lasix. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Lab tests, including blood pressure and complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Lasix. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Lasix with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration.

Caution is advised when using Lasix in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Lasix while you are pregnant. Lasix is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Lasix, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; lightheadedness; sensitivity to sunlight.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: